To visit the oldest wooden structures in the world, you must travel to China and Japan, where you will find Buddhist temples over 1000 years old.

As Buddhism migrated east out of India, it brought with it its own artistic and architectural styles, influencing that of the Chinese. The Chinese then passed their own style (most notable that of the Tang dynasty) on to the Japanese via the Korean peninsula.

Use this guide to understand the Indian Buddhist influences on Chinese and Japanese temple architecture.

Our Approach Guide to the Wooden Temples of China and Japan provides a clear and thoughtful overview of the two greatest periods of wooden temple construction in China, that of the Tang (618-906) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, which have yielded the oldest wooden structures still in existence. 

This Approach Guide to the Wooden Temples of China and Japan includes detailed reviews of the following world-class sites, one of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (See our map of the cities profiled in this guide)

• Nanchan Si (Wutai Shan, China). Tang period temple and the oldest wooden structure in China. Peaceful and quiet, this temple is definitively off the tourist path.
• Foguang Si (Wutai Shan, China). This temple also dates from the Tang dynasty. Given its proximity to Nanchan Si, it makes for an interesting comparison with nearby Nanchan Si.
• Jinci Si (Taiyuan, China). Song period temple. The architectural elements of this temple demonstrate the genius of the Song architects in creating harmonious structures.
• Yingxian Pagoda (Datong, China). Liao period pagoda done in the Sung style. This is the oldest wooden pagoda (not building) in China. Very impressive and definitely worth a stop.
• Horyuji Complex (Nara, Japan). The oldest wooden structure in the world, predating Nanchan Si by 70 years; this Tang period is a must-see site and easily accessible from Kyoto.

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